News

Exclusive ‘Mythos’ Mercedes-AMG SL Speedster coming quickly

Leave a comment

AMG plans to launch a brand new speedster variant of its seventh-generation SL as a part of a sequence of restricted quantity Mythos fashions, in response to Mercedes-Benz insiders.

The secret open-top automotive is deliberate to be proven to chose clients in an occasion deliberate to happen at Mercedes’ Centre of Excellence in Sindelfingen, Germany, between 6 and eight June previous to being taken public later this yr and deliveries beginning in 2025.

Invitations to the preview occasion describe the SL speedster as an “open vehicle concept with an extremely low silhouette, without a roof or windscreen, and featuring a motorsport halo roll protection system and requiring the use of a helmet for a high-speed driving experience”.

An earlier teaser picture of the two-seater revealed that it receives altered physique styling with distinguished domes behind every of the entrance seats.

The house reserved for the rear seat on normal variations of the SL is predicted for use to accommodate the rollover safety measures.

Technical particulars of the brand new AMG are but to be revealed, however Autocar has been advised the limited-volume SL relies on the SL 63 4Matic+ with a 577bhp twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine and a completely variable four-wheel drive system.

First hinted to by Mercedes chairman Ola Källenius on the firm’s annual common assembly in 2022, the Mythos sequence is deliberate to incorporate a sequence of limited-volume Benz, AMG and Maybach fashions.

Together with the SL speedster, Mercedes-AMG is thought to be engaged on a SL Maybach, a photograph of which was uploaded to Instagram by Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener in 2022.

The picture confirmed a two-tone SL altered with a Maybach-inspired grille that includes vertical chrome components and a hood with Maybach logos.

The restricted quantity Mythos automobiles are deliberate to go one step past Mercedes’ Manufaktur programme with even better scope for automobile personalisation.

News

Smart #1 recall anticipated as harmful seatbelt fault discovered

Leave a comment

Thousands of Smart #1 EVs may very well be recalled attributable to a fault whereby the rear passenger’s seatbelt could unbuckle throughout a high-speed manoeuvre.

Discovered by Finnish automotive journal Tekniikan Maailma (TM), the fault happens when three passengers are seated within the rear of the automotive. When a high-speed evasion motion is made, the central passenger’s belt lock pushes down on a aspect passenger’s lock, unlocking it.

This fault occurred throughout a number of high-speed swerve exams on a #1. The subsequent day, it was repeated with one other #1 at a unique location, and the issue occured once more. All vehicles have been travelling at round 45mph.

TM has labelled the problem as a “dangerous design flaw”, warning: ”Until the fault is mounted, it isn’t secure to hold three passengers within the again seat of the Smart.”

TM added that the #1’s again seat with the present belt association “is not suitable for three passengers” and questioned how Smart had not found the fault itself.

One clarification was the usage of crash take a look at dummies, moderately than people in a real-life state of affairs.

The subject, as illustrated by Tekniikan Maailma

Smart has confirmed to TM that it is investigating the problem.

Smart informed TM: “We take this matter with our principal very significantly. Our principal has already began his personal investigations, and we’ll inform you about them and the measures as quickly as doable.”

In an announcement equipped to Autocar, Smart mentioned: “Smart is aware of the questions raised by Tekniikan Maailma during their testing, and is treating them with the utmost urgency. Ensuring the safety of our customers and all road users is our number one priority, with our models having been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, passing some of the world’s most demanding safety tests in the process. Our internal R&D experts are now conducting a comprehensive investigation of the matter.”

News

New BYD e6 MPV set for UK launch with 258-mile vary

Leave a comment

BYD has quietly added a brand new electrical MPV to its UK line-up, which appears to be like to tempt taxi drivers with greater than 250 miles of vary and a capacious cabin.

Autocar has discovered official UK specs for the second-generation e6, a five-seat MPV based mostly on the Chinese-market Song Max. Although BYD refused to offer extra particulars, a launch right here is anticipated to be imminent.

The unique BYD e6 was the Chinese agency’s debut mannequin within the UK, arriving in 2013, when the model was little-known and EV expertise was nonetheless in its nascence. 

Sold in low volumes, primarily to taxi corporations, it had a real-world vary of round 140 miles and efficiency that in contrast favourably with different early EVs and ICE alternate options. However, priced at £47,000 (equal to £67,000 right this moment), it was far dearer than the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Vauxhall Ampera and was pulled from the UK after only a 12 months.

The sleeker second-generation e6, touchdown in 2021, is expounded to its predecessor in identify solely. It’s already bought in different right-hand-drive markets, together with Australia, the place it is priced roughly in step with the MG ZS EV, suggesting a UK worth within the low-£30,000s is feasible.

At 4695mm lengthy, with a wheelbase of 2800mm, the e6 is barely bigger than Stellantis’s small-van-based MPVs (the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace and Vauxhall Combo) however smaller than the likes of the Volkswagen ID Buzz and Lexus LM.

Equipped with a chunky 71.7Wh battery, it is able to a aggressive 258 miles per cost on the WLTP take a look at cycle. However, it has a most charging velocity of simply 60kW so wants 90 minutes to get from 0-80% on a Type 2 quick charger. 

A single motor on the entrance axle makes 94bhp, taking the e6 from 0-62mph in 18.0sec.

Bolstering the automobile’s attraction with city-based taxi drivers can be its capacious, flat-floored cabin, 580-litre boot and 11.2-metre turning circle – the latter roughly in step with the Volkswagen Golf. 

Mazda

Mazda CX-5 Earns Top Rating in IIHS’s Newest Crash Test

Leave a comment

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) introduced the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-5 earned the best ranking of their latest crash check.

2024 Mazda CX-5

IIHS lately up to date its reasonable entrance overlap crash check, the place 40 % of the motive force aspect entrance finish of a automobile impacts a stationary barrier at 40 mph. The forces on this check are much like these in a frontal offset crash between two autos.

In IIHS’s authentic model of this check, solely a driver dummy was used. In 2022, to handle the necessity for higher rear occupant safety, a second dummy was added within the second-row seat behind the motive force. The up to date analysis incorporates superior standards centered on stopping accidents to rear-seat occupants.

Along with most autos initially evaluated on this new, difficult check, the 2021-2022 mannequin 12 months Mazda CX-5 acquired a poor ranking. Dedicated to steady security developments and listening to data-driven steering from valued companions like IIHS, Mazda shortly made enhancements. Rear seat belt pretensioners and cargo limiters have been added not simply to Mazda’s CX-5, however to all new Mazda autos, serving to to cut back forces to belted rear occupants within the occasion of a crash.

As a consequence, the 2023-2024 mannequin 12 months CX-5 has now earned a very good ranking within the IIHS up to date reasonable entrance overlap check. 2024 mannequin 12 months Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback, CX-30, CX-90, and 2023-2024 mannequin 12 months CX-50 earned the identical prime, good ranking on this check earlier this 12 months. 

“Mazda is proud to make these improvements to better protect our customers and their passengers,” mentioned Mazda North American President and CEO Tom Donnelly. “We will continue to listen, learn, and evolve, as we execute our safety vision for zero fatalities by 2040.”

To be taught extra about superior security at Mazda, please go to the MazdaUSA.com web site –  https://www.mazdausa.com/why-mazda/safety.

The IIHS is an impartial, non-governmental safety-testing group, funded by the insurance coverage business. For extra data, go to https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly based in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a historical past of subtle craftsmanship and innovation, and a objective to complement life-in-motion for these it serves. By placing people on the middle of the whole lot it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our autos and for folks. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the gross sales, advertising, components and customer support assist of Mazda autos in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia by way of roughly 795 sellers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For extra data on Mazda autos, together with images and B-roll, please go to the net Mazda media middle at information.mazdausa.com. 

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads. 

Cars

Everything To Know About The GM 6.6 Liter LBZ V8 Duramax Turbo Diesel Engine

Leave a comment

Despite resembling the 2004-2005 LLY technology Duramax by way of its general design and building, the LBZ is a considerably improved engine. Strength was by no means actually a difficulty for earlier Duramax engines, however as horsepower and torque figures continued to climb, GM fortified the LBZ to higher deal with excessive forces. The engine block was fortified utilizing a thicker casting with extra essential bearing webbing and improved cylinder bore energy. GM additionally beefed up different essential internals, together with new and improved cast metal connecting rods.

The gas system was one other essential facet of enchancment, with the LBZ receiving a number of new gas system elements. While the common-rail gas system and high-pressure gas injectors had been a supply of subject for the older LLY engine, the system was overhauled for the LBZ. GM elevated the utmost gas strain from 23,000 psi to over 26,000 psi and up to date the Bosch gas injectors to a extra environment friendly 7-hole design.

GM additionally made some vital revisions to the turbo association to enhance reliability and effectivity. The LBZ acquired revised low-compression pistons, which decreased the possibilities of engine-damaging detonation occasions and elevated reliability general. GM additionally revised the LBZ’s turbo inlet manifold to a extra free-flowing design, reducing exhaust gasoline temperatures and delivering higher turbo responsiveness. To tie all of it collectively, GM launched a brand new 32-bit E35 engine management module, which extra successfully managed gas circulation and turbo parameters.

As a results of the entire upgrades in comparison with the earlier technology LLY Duramax, the 2006 LBZ Duramax was the most reliable, environment friendly, and best-performing turbo diesel engine that GM created to that time.

Motorcycles

Can Two People Ride On A Harley-Davidson Iron 883?

Leave a comment

The Iron 883 is designed to seat one. It does not come inventory with a passenger seat or pegs for a second particular person to place their toes on. It has an 86″ size with a forward-heavy design. This makes it an ungainly bike for taking a passenger.

That mentioned, it’s technically doable. You can always customize your motorcycle to make it match two. There are aftermarket choices accessible for including a passenger seat and pegs. The 883cc Evolution engine can also be sturdy sufficient to bear an inexpensive quantity of weight and nonetheless get first rate acceleration. Even so, the expertise may be lower than supreme.

One Reddit user started a thread asking riders who had modified their Iron 883 bikes into two-seaters how comfy the expertise was. Several riders reported that that they had transformed their bikes, and the general consensus was that the expertise was underwhelming and rather less secure than you desire to. One reported that you simply most likely have to get new shocks as a result of “the stock shorties are kidney beaters.” But even then, his passenger reported that she felt a lot safer and extra comfy on a much bigger bike. Most of those Redditers additionally talked about that the Iron 883 felt squirrely and struggled to rise up to increased speeds when driving with a second particular person. So whereas it’s doable, you’d most likely be higher off getting a bigger Harley in order for you a motorcycle that is made to hold a couple of particular person.

Technology

Differences Between MiG 31 & MiG 35 Fighter Jets

Leave a comment

There are a number of notable key variations between the MiG-31 and MiG-35. Some are apparent and relate to the quantity produced. More than 500 MiG-31s have been produced, whereas half a dozen MiG-35s at present fly for Russia. Outside of numbers, velocity is an apparent distinction between the 2 plane. The MiG-31 is significantly quicker than its successor, which continues to be an admittedly quick plane.

Altitude is one other metric that units the 2 plane aside, because the MiG-31 can fly at almost twice the altitude of the MiG-35. Granted, this functionality is not a part of the MiG-31’s normal flight operations, however the means to cruise at extremely excessive altitudes stays through its service ceiling of 67,000 toes. You start to see the variations favor the MiG-35 while you have a look at points of its avionics and electronics. Specifically, the MiG-35 has an improved radar system.

The MiG-35 options an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, making it the primary Russian fighter outfitted with an AESA radar. Conversely, the MiG-31’s radar, which has been upgraded since its introduction, is not as succesful as its successor’s system. Other points like armament and protection capabilities are comparable, so while you add all of it up, the MiG-31 is arguably the higher fighter for its velocity, ceiling, and operational historical past, which the MiG-35 lacks as a result of its minimal efficiency historical past and low manufacturing numbers.

Technology

Why Is Honda Discontinuing Lawn Mowers Moving Forward? Here’s What We Know

Leave a comment

Honda is not the primary, and certain is not the final, to finish manufacturing on gas-powered garden mowers, however that does not imply it is leaving the garden care trade totally. Profits and client preferences clearly show that battery-powered tools is the longer term, and Honda’s following swimsuit with the transition.

When Honda initially introduced the discontinuation of its gas-powered mowers, there was no phrase whether or not electrical ones had been within the firm’s future. However, as soon as it wrapped up manufacturing in late 2023, the corporate unveiled a new autonomous work mower. The Honda Autonomous Work Mower (AWM) is the corporate’s first battery-powered electrical garden mower. It options zero-turn driving and futuristic studying capabilities. When in guide mode, the AWM capabilities like some other battery-powered garden mower, however it additionally learns your mowing routes. Then, in autonomous mode, it might recreate these patterns to chop the grass simply as you’d.

At the time of this writing, Honda hasn’t revealed plans to make different battery-powered ride-on garden mowers, however that appears inevitable. It already has the Izy-Ons, a line of electrical push mowers, for individuals who do not wish to wait (or cannot afford) the AWM. The firm desires to realize carbon neutrality for all merchandise by 2050, and discontinuing gas-powered garden mowers takes a big step in the direction of that aim.

News, Technology

Twitter Is Dead As Elon Musk Completes Transition To X.com

Leave a comment

Twitter’s rebranding as X is the results of Elon Musk’s long-running obsession with the letter. In addition to naming one among Tesla’s vehicles the Model X, he has talked about making a web site known as “X.com” because the early days of his entrepreneurial endeavors. However, his unique try at making X.com was one among Elon Musk’s biggest tech failures that no one talks about. 

After founding the corporate X.com in 1999, Musk partnered with PayPal proprietor Peter Thiel, folding PayPal underneath the X.com title. But Musk was reportedly the one one who favored the title “X,” and after he was compelled out of the corporate following a vote of no confidence from the board, Thiel renamed the corporate PayPal. 25 years later, Musk has lastly achieved his objective of proudly owning a product known as “X,” and all it took was giving up “Twitter,” one of the recognizable names in tech and social media. 

In July 2023, Musk introduced that Twitter could be renamed to X, and he installed a gigantic neon “X” sign on the roof of the corporate’s headquarters. It was eliminated shortly thereafter, as a criticism was filed by an inspector, in line with SFGate. 10 months later, the precise methods that energy the platform previously often known as Twitter are lastly hosted on X.com, finishing one billionaire’s lifelong dream.

Featured

Car News That Mattered This Week (May 13-17): Tata Nexon And Maruti Fronx New Variants Launched, Altroz Racer And Nexon With Panoramic Sunroof Spied, And More

Leave a comment

Bookings opened for the Mahindra XUV 3XO this previous week, and the deliveries of the brand new Maruti Swift have commenced

Weekly wrap-up May 18

This week of May 2024 noticed Tata increasing its Nexon lineup with new variants, whereas we bought extra of the upcoming Altroz Racer. Maruti launched a brand new mid-spec Fronx’s Delta Plus (O) variant and we bought the worldwide debut of the Kia EV6 facelift. There was motion from the luxurious section as properly with new variants of BMW and Porsche SUVs. Here’s a fast abstract of the highest information from this previous week: 

Tata Nexon New Variants

Tata has launched new base-spec Smart variants for the Nexon, together with an much more inexpensive entry-level Smart (O) petrol at Rs 7.99 lakh. Nexon’s diesel choices now begin from the Smart Plus variant at Rs 9.99 lakh. Safety consists of 6 airbags, ESC, hill maintain help, and rear parking sensors. 

Tata Altroz Racer spied

Leaked paperwork revealed that the Tata Altroz Racer is ready to launch in June 2024. Shortly after, we spotted the upcoming sportier variant of the Tata premium hatchback with none camouflage. It sports activities the identical vibrant orange and black color scheme with stripes seen on the 2023 Bharat Mobility Expo, together with cabin updates like a bigger touchscreen infotainment unit.

Maruti Fronx new variant

Maruti Fronx

Maruti has launched the Delta Plus (O) variant of the Fronx, solely with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. Priced at Rs 8.93 lakh for the guide and Rs 9.43 lakh for the AMT, it affords six airbags and a puncture restore package, making security extra inexpensive.

XUV 3XO bookings open

Official bookings for the Mahindra XUV 3XO have commenced with deliveries set to start out within the final week of May. It is offered in 5 variants, and will get segment-leading options just like the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise management and dual-zone local weather management.

New Swift deliveries start

Customer deliveries of the recently launched new-generation Maruti Swift 2024 have begun. It brings an enhanced options checklist and a extra environment friendly petrol engine. It now will get a 9-inch touchscreen, wi-fi telephone charger and LED lighting throughout.

Nexon panoramic sunroof spied

The Tata Nexon might soon feature a panoramic sunroof, as prompt by a leaked video displaying a Nexon fitted with this characteristic in a manufacturing facility setting. This potential replace may very well be a response to opponents just like the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which affords segment-leading options, together with a panoramic sunroof.

BMW X3 M Shadow Edition launched

BMW X3 M Sport Shadow Edition

The BMW X3 now gets a M Sport Shadow Edition priced at Rs 74.90 lakh, that includes blacked-out beauty enhancements and new color choices. With a premium of Rs 2.40 lakh over the usual M Sport variant, it options black parts. Inside it will get an all-black theme, whereas the diesel powertrain stays unchanged.

Porsche Cayenne GTS and GTS Coupe launched

The newest Porsche Cayenne GTS and GTS Coupe models have been launched in India, boasting a revamped 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 500 PS and 660 Nm of torque. These luxurious SUVs characteristic enhanced efficiency, GTS-specific design parts, and up to date interiors.

Kia EV6 facelift globally unveiled

The updated Kia EV6 options delicate exterior modifications and important inside upgrades. Safety is boosted with 10 airbags and continued ADAS choices. The standout enchancment is a bigger 84 kWh battery pack.

Read More on : Tata Nexon AMT